What Is QDR?
The Qualitative Data Repository (QDR) allows researchers to explore, share, and preserve qualitative research data. All datasets in the QDR undergo hands-on curation, ensuring your data are optimized for responsible and replicable sharing and reuse.
Free for Harvard affiliates, the QDR helps researchers meet funder and publisher requirements while also supporting transparency, collaboration, and research integrity.
Why Use QDR?
Free for Harvard affiliates, the QDR offers depositors:
- Individualized deposit and curation support
- Robust guidance for qualitative data management and sharing
- Access controls and sensitive data review
- QDR is likely appropriate for research data classified as Harvard Data Security Level 1 or 2. It may also be suitable for certain Harvard Data Security Level 3 datasets, depending on the nature of the data and the access controls implemented.
- The QDR’s policies for sharing sensitive data, including their curation and access control procedures, are described here. Depositor licensing options include conditions for Standard and Restricted Access Conditions.
- QDR’s curation team will work with you to determine the appropriate protections.
- Support for many file types
- DOI registration and indexing, making your data discoverable and citable
- CoreTrustSeal standards, meaning your data will be safe, secure, and preserved for the long term
- Regular training opportunities and access to evolving best practices
- Access to high-quality qualitative and mixed-method data
Getting started with a data deposit
- Register for an account using your Harvard email and log in
- Click the “Deposit Data” button on the homepage, or choose the “New Project” button on the right-hand side of the data collections page
- Enter your project title, contact information, and a brief description
- The QDR team will be in touch to guide you through the next steps
You can start your deposit any time — from early stages to completed projects. Read over the full details of the deposit process.
Get Help
Explore QDR resources, services, and governance information and FAQs to find tips on working with human participant data, sharing your data, and navigating QDR’s collaborative curation process.
For help managing, sharing, and preserving your scholarship and research data, connect with Harvard Library's Open Scholarship and Research Data Services.
For help collecting and analyzing qualitative data, explore Harvard Library's Qualitative Research Support services.